Bed Bugs Can Survive Freezing Temps, But Cold Can Still Kill Them

In an article in the Journal of Economic Entomology called "Cold Tolerance of Bed Bugs and Practical Recommendations for Control," the authors describe how exposing bed bugs to freezing temperatures affects them, and they provide practical recommendations for management of potentially infested items.

Exposing bed bug-infested clothing or other small items to freezing temperatures may be a viable control option for people at risk of bed bug infestations. However, a new study has found that bed bugs may be less susceptible to freezing temperatures than previously reported.

In an article in the Journal of Economic Entomology called "Cold Tolerance of Bed Bugs and Practical Recommendations for Control," the authors describe how exposing bed bugs to freezing temperatures affects them, and they provide practical recommendations for management of potentially infested items.

Bed bugs, like many other insects, use a "freeze-intolerant" strategy against the cold, meaning they attempt to protect themselves from freeze injury by lowering the freezing point of their body fluids. For this study, the researchers evaluated the supercooling point (SCP) and the lower lethal temperature (LLT) for all life stages of bed bugs, as well as their potential to feed after exposure to sublethal temperatures.

The authors found that in order to achieve 100% mortality, a minimum exposure time of 80 hours at minus 16 degrees celcius is required for all life stages. Temperatures below minus 15 degrees celcius are sufficient to control all life stages of bed bugs after 3.5 days, while temperatures below minus 20 degrees celcius require only 48 hours. They also observed bed bug eggs surviving in short-term exposures to temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees celcius.

Homeowners can place bed bug-infested items in a freezer to destroy them. However, the authors recommend that the items be placed in plastic bags and that they remain in the freezer for 2-4 days, depending on the freezer's temperature.

Alterra Hosts ‘North Pole Adventure’ Charity Event

Alterra’s corporate gym was turned into a place where families could visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and college athletes while enjoying a wide variety of activities and great food.

Why would an organization turn a 10,000 square foot gym into the North Pole? In an effort to give back of course. This holiday season Alterra Pest Control set out to provide a Sub-for-Santa for special needs families selected by the United Angels Foundation (UAF). The vision…turn Alterra’s corporate gym into a place where families could visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and college athletes while enjoying a wide variety of activities and great food.

The event's title, “Zuzu and Santa’s North Pole Adventure,” was named after the daughter of an Alterra employee. Zuzu is a ten-month-old girl with Down Syndrome who recently underwent two major heart surgeries. “As a father, I can’t imagine what kind of stress that would put on a family," said Alterra CEO David Royce. "UAF has connections with hundreds of special needs families in similar positions. Our purpose as a company was to provide Christmas for families with these types of extreme circumstances. We are thrilled to have raised thousands of dollars for such a needed cause during the Holiday season.”

Kids play tug of war as part of the festivities.

Alterra went to great lengths in an effort to create an authentic North Pole setting which included 800 feet of Christmas lights and 30 decorated Christmas trees, accompanied by an abundance of wreaths, garlands, wrapped presents, ceiling ornaments, oversized candy canes, artificial snow, and more.

Alterra’s Chief Customer Officer (CCO) Derrick Royce stated, “The event was a huge success with thousands of donations and hundreds of families in attendance. I mean, what kids wouldn’t enjoy a Tug-a-war match with Santa and his elves, a hot cocoa 'tea party' with Mrs. Claus, Bop-the-Elf, oversized bowling with inflatable nutcrackers, face painting, balloon artists, bouncy houses, and so much more.”

Emile Pappas, who started doing pest control in 1942, was recognized by the Greater Houston Pest Control Association for the many contributions he has made throughout the years.

HOUSTON - With his family beside him, Emile Pappas was honored at the Greater Houston Pest Control Association's annual Holiday Party on Dec. 3, in Houston, Texas. Mark Foltz, president of GHPCA, presented Pappas with a certificate from the president of the Texas Pest Control Association, Kerry Maples-Batterman, recognizing all his contributions to the industry. They also celebrated his 88th birthday with singing and a large cake presented to him.

Pappas started work in pest control in 1942 in Mobile, Ala., working for Mr. Bighams at the age of 16. The experience came in handy when during WWII the Navy found out he had pest control experience and asked if he could rid a hospital ship of Pharaoh ants because they were transmitting staph infections to the wounded soldiers. Since early pest control operators had to mix up their own pesticides, he agreed as long as they provided him the ingredients for his bait. In this case, Pappas had to dissolve thallium sulfate in boiling water on the deck of the ship to create his bait. He was successful and was asked to perform this service many times during WWII. Pappas also served during the Korean War. He eventually moved to Houston where his older sister lived and this is where he began VP Exterminators. When he finally sold his company to his son this past year, of his many regular customers, 68 had been using his services since the 1950s.He has consulted, lectured and helped many leaders in this industry over the years and was a regular fixture at the National Pest Management Association meetings.

Bob Dold Featured in New York Times Story on 2014 Election

Dold serves as an example of Republican candidates who benefited from the Tea Party in 2010, but lost two years later, hope to rebound next year by focusing on the health care law, according to the article.

B&G Unveils Redesigned Bait Gun Holster

JACKSON, Ga. — B&G Equipment Co. introduces a clever new “cleanable” bait gun holster with a host of user-friendly features. Tops on the list is a removable plastic tube that catches loose bait drips inside the holster making it easy to keep clean.

The new B&G Bait Gun Holster is the only bait gun holster available to PMPs with that important feature. Other important user-friendly features include; a Velcro strap to secure a bait gun in the holster; two expandable straps that carry two extra bait syringes, a pocket for spare tips, and a friendly new look. The new B&G Bait Gun Holster is compatible with most bait guns currently available to PMPs.

The new B&G Bait Gun Holster reinforces the professional appearance of the pest control technician, sending a visual message that the user is a professional.

For more information, contact B&G Equipment Company directly at 800/544-8811, ext. 102.